Douglas L. Fitch

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Rowe Funeral Home and Crematory - Grand Rapids

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Grand Rapids, Minnesota

Douglas Fitch Obituary

Douglas L Fitch

Grand Rapids, Minnesota

Douglas L. Fitch passed quickly and peacefully at home on May 20th, 2014. His 60 years of life started in Des Moines, Iowa on September 22, 1953. After graduating from East High School he served in the Navy as a radioman on a diesel submarine stationed in San Diego, CA for four years.

Upon his return to Des Moines, Doug attended United Electronics Institute and was employed at a variety of jobs including HM Fitch Construction and Firestone.

In the early 1990's he moved to northern Minnesota, a place he considered heaven on earth. During his years in "God's country" he enjoyed many outdoor activities, countless game nights with friends and family, various handy man jobs, and being a caregiver, primarily for his father-in-law Bill Lesar.

Doug is survived by his loving wife Theresa of Grand Rapids, MN, four children Dawn (Ed) Frederiksen of Martensdale, IA, Catherine "Cammie" Fitch and Chris (Kelly) Fitch both of Des Moines, IA and Brad (Amanda) Fitch of Bondurant, IA along with six grandchildren, Douglas "Reid" Frederiksen, Eliza Fitch, Sophia and Jacob Fitch, and Mackenzie and Abigail Fitch. He also leaves behind three brothers, Denny Fitch, Dave Fitch and Marty Fitch and two sisters, Barbie Wirth and Kay Larsen and countless adoring nieces and nephews. Doug was preceded in death by his parents Harold Morris and Charlotte Mae Fitch and brother, Steven Doss Fitch.

He will be remembered most for his ability to bring fun to any occasion, and to charm any audience, from around a campfire to a formal stage, with his soulful voice and guitar.

A memorial service in Des Moines is pending.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register from May 22 to May 23, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Fitch

6 Entries

Larry Mitchell

February 8, 2020

Dougie and I first met and went to church camp (4 years) together in Iowa in the mid 60s and we did have a good time. He came to NW Iowa and visited the farm and I visited him in Des Moines, bought my kids down in the 80s and we went camping together. I was still in the Air Force and we eventually lost touch with he and I both moving around. I was going through my boxes of old photos yesterday and ran across photos of us with Doug on our last visit. I thought I was track him down now that I'm retired and sadly discovered his passing. I'm so sorry for your lose. Doug was an awesome guy, loyal, dependable, and a very loving man! Don't know if you'll still see this or not but if you like these old photos of "Dougie" please let me know! We had many great times together at church camp!!! :)))

Raymond Fritz

August 18, 2014

On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI) and to Theresa, Dawn (ED), Catherine, Chris (Kelly), Brad (Amanda), and all of Doug's family and friends, we offer our sincere condolences in this time of loss and mourning. Our prayer is that God will bless you with peace, comfort you, and heal your broken hearts. We are especially thankful for Doug's service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service during the Cold War. He left the Navy as a RM3(SS). To our “Brother of the Phin” we say … "Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country."

So, heavenly Father add his name to the roll
Of our departed shipmates still on patrol.
Let them know that we who survive
Will always keep their memories alive.

Bless those who serve beneath the deep,
Through lonely hours their vigil keep.
May peace their mission ever be!
Protect each one, we ask of Thee.

Bless those at home who wait and pray
For their return by night and day.

Douglas L Fitch, RM3(SS), US Navy, Now on Eternal Patrol.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
His record is now posted online in the Eternal Patrol file on the USSVI website.

Rev. Ray Fritz, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.

August 5, 2014

Doug was my very first (best) friend. We were next door neighbors and all my earliest memories have to do with him and his family. Sorry to hear of his passing.

June 8, 2014

I first met Doug the day before being inducted into the Navy. We were flying to San Diego the next day as part of an all-Iowa Company. Doug was a friendly guy and invited several of us over to his house that day where we played guitar and wrote a song about our upcoming adventure. I ran into him again a year later in San Diego when being stationed on the U.S.S Sperry. I lost touch with him but met a classmate of his sister's at East High and had been asking about. I was sorry to hear of his passing and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Steve Williams
Mission Viejo, CA

JIM SHAW

May 23, 2014

GOOD OLD TIMES IN ROCK & ROLL BANDS, THOSE ARE WHAT MY MEMORIES OF DOUG ARE. GREAT PERFORMER, GREAT FRONT MAN AND ALL HIS TALENT. BLESS YOU ALL!!

John Oakes

May 21, 2014

Condolences to all of Doug's family and dear friends. I went to tech school with Doug, was his sound and light man for Glider, what a great friend. May he rest in peace.

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